A much-loved midfielder during his Parkhead playing days, Collins has been a far less popular figure among the Celtic support as a coach.

Together with Deila and fellow coach John Kennedy he has lifted three titles in Celtic's five in a row run and the Scottish Cup and League Cup.

However, the majority of fans have never been convinced by their model for the team and style of football and have watched as Celtic have failed to qualify for the Champions League two seasons running, bowing out to smaller teams in the qualifiers.

"It’s disappointing to leave but a lot of people would be delighted to have what I’ve had." he continued.

"I’ve played for the team and got two league titles as part of management.

"There have been lots of highs, some lows, but we’ve got five in a row.

"When you win, people can be unhappy, when you lose, people are really unhappy. There are big demands but that’s life at a big club."

Boss Deila will depart at the end of the season although the fate of remaining coach Kennedy remains uncertain.

The 32-year-old former defender has worked his way through the club's football department since being forced to quit the game through injury, working as a scout before taking charge of the youth team and then working with the first team.